b"02 OCTOBER 21, 2022 The Great Eastern MailTHE GREAT EASTERN l Anger at MAV vote to rush end of native forest harvestingmai Disappointing outcomeBAIRNSDALEPAYNESVILLELAKES ENTRANCEMETUNGWhere Community Matters E AST Gippsland Shirethe native forest timber industry.protects biodiversity and protectshigh-value, low-volume inputs, Delivery throughout:Council has expressedEast Gippsland Mayor Cr Markcommunities. almost exclusively sourced from Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Metung, Lakesdisappointment that aReeves contacted MaribyrnongCr Reeves expressed hiscoastal silvertop ash regrowth Entrance and surrounds. Includes selectedmotion calling for native forestCouncil shortly before the meetingdisappointment in the outcome offorest. It advocates a form of businesses and depot drops. timber harvesting to be phased outbut received no response.the vote. silviculture, utilising thinning and Also find us at: well before the state governmentsA coalition of country councilsThe phase out of the nativeselect harvests, that maintains or Local newsagents, shops and businesses.2030 deadline was approved inand a few city councils lost thetimber industry puts the future ofimproves forest health and reduces You can also view our latest publicationa narrow vote at the Municipalvote by the narrowest of margins,our timber towns such as Bendoc,vulnerability to the impacts of FREE online at: Association Victoria meeting heldwith a 51 percent vote in favour.Cann Valley, Nowa Nowa, Orbostbushfire, while also providing www.holstadvertising.com/The-GemFriday 14 October. A majority of councils voted toand Swifts Creek at risk. Right now,sawlogs for timber processing.along with previous editions. A coalition of like-mindedprotect the industry, but underwere working hard to protect ourWere going to work with Publisher: and deeply affected countryMAV rules, larger councilscommunities through transitioncommunities across the region Holst Advertising councils, led by East Gippslandget two votes each while smallprograms. An early phase-out dateto ensure we get the best possible Display Advertising: Shire, Wellington Shire Council,councils only get one. would undermine those programsoutcomes no matter what situation Jason: 0428 366 651Baw Baw and Yarra Ranges andCouncil voted against theand increase the potential impactwe find ourselves in. Our hope now, Rick: 0413 278 422supportive city councils stronglyMaribyrnong motion in line withon workers and their families, Cris that the Victorian Government is Office:(03) 9686 0858 opposed the motion, put forward byits position paper that supports aReeves said. not swayed by this MAV vote, which Editorial Material:Maribyrnong City Council, whichhigh-quality, low-volume nativeCouncils vision is for a futurewas led by inner-city councils but news@holstadvertising.comcalled on the Victorian Governmenttimber harvesting industry, allowsnative forest logging industrygreatly impacts rural councils,rick@holstadvertising.com to bring forward the phase out ofits forests to have multiple uses,in East Gippsland based onCr Reeves said.Advertising Material:matt@holstadvertising.com State askedVictorian Government review of Publishers Note: the school crossing system.The views and opinions expressed byto stump upAn urgent review into the advertisers in this publication are those ofprogram is needed and should the advertiser and do not necessarily reflectconsider an improved model that that of the publisher and its policies.for schoolincludes funding, recruitment and Editorial Note: retention of supervisors, safety The Great Eastern Mail encourages readerscrossings improvements, use of technology to send in their opinions and views on anyat crossings and the effectiveness matter relating to the region. If you have aof the built environment, Cr story you would like to put forward, pleaseE AST Gippsland ShireReeves said.contact our staff (above), and you may haveCouncil is advocating forWe need a minimum number your own piece published.the Victorian Governmentof crossing supervisors to have Advertising: to fully fund the school crossinga reliable program that our Advertising material created by thesupervision program. community can be confident publisher is not to be reproduced orCouncil currently employs 23in. When there is a shortage distributed to third parties unless givenschool crossing supervisors toof supervisors, it means other written consent by the publisher or author. staff 16 school crossings acrossmunicipal staff must leave other Follow us on facebook the shire, with the cost subsidisedduties to support safe school by only 41 per cent (averagecrossings.www.facebook.com/ across the past five years) by theCouncil is calling on the TheGreatEasternMail Victorian Government. In additionVictorian Government to:to the staffing of the crossings,Review of the school crossing TELL US Council is also responsible forIts a service appreciated byReeves said. supervisor systemthe maintenance of the crossings,Work with councils to deliver a YOUR STORY associated infrastructure whenhundreds of families across ourA survey of 40 Victoriansolution suitable for local school they are located on a Council- shire, and its a service we providecouncils (including EastchildrenBe part of 'The GEM' controlled road, uniforms,despite it not being a core functionGippsland) has shown that 82 perPay 100 per cent of the cost of medical checks, working withof local government. Its time forcent of councils are facing crossingthe system in East Gippslandchildren checks, training, programthe Government to step up andsupervisor shortages, and 87 perWe are one of several regional coordination, and administration. fully fund the program and supportcent no longer consider the currentcouncils to support this campaign. Got a Mayor Cr Mark Reeves saidlocal families. system safe for the communityThe Government previously story you school crossing supervision was The issue is one of Councils keyor staff. Every Victorian councilmade a commitment in 2016 to think needs telling? a vital service for the community,advocacy priorities. depends on Government fundingundertake a broad strategic review Call or SMS Jason ensuring families get to and fromWe've joined councils acrossfor its crossings.into the movement and safety of on 0428 366 651 school safely at some of the busiestVictoria to call for an urgent reviewWe have joined councils acrossschool students. Its now time for times on local roads. of the school crossings system, Crthe state in calling for an urgentthat to happen, Cr Reeves said.Dont wait to be uncomfortable at your home or office, apply for an obligation free quotation for one of our friendly staffto assess your cooling and heating requirements and have you in comfort all year roundBosworth RdRovan Pl Forge CreekRdFactory 3, 29 Rovan Place, Bairnsdale FindBairnsdaleHolloway Stus onAU 53028 5152 2749 www.brac.net.au Racecourse Kyle St"